What is Cyberbullying and What Can We Do About it?

September 20, 2017admin

Cyberbullying in Australia is rampant, with one in eight Australians experiencing Cyberbullying at some point in their life. As the second most common form of bullying across the country, bullies are able to break down the barrier between what used to be safe and unsafe, and can now follow and taunt their victims regardless of where they are.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is regarded as any type of bullying that’s made possible through the use of technology. This means that any form of teasing and harassment that takes place via social media, blogs, websites, online forums, or via email and text messages is regarded as cyberbullying.

This form of bullying is particularly dangerous, as it allows people to hide behind fake Facebook accounts or their computer screens, as they no longer have to look their victim in the eye when they taunt or harass them.

Some common forms of cyberbullying include:

Hacking social media or email accounts and messing around with your information, statuses and photos

People setting up fake accounts pretending to be someone else, with the intention of mocking, harassing or teasing the person their impersonating

Spreading rumours via social media, text messages or emails

Sending any nasty and threatening messages that can cause fear and upset in the person receiving them

Having someone you know send mean and hurtful text messages

Unfortunately, a lot of cyberbullying victims start to doubt themselves. It’s very common for them to feel like they must somehow deserve to be treated in this way, lowering their self-confidence and causing depression, and in severe cases even self-harm and suicide.

A lot of bullying victims are also too scared to speak up, with their friends and family not necessarily knowing that anything is wrong.

Why Has Cyberbullying Become Such a Huge Issue?

With the prevalence of technology and our ever-growing reliance on social media has come an increase in bullying rates. The average Australian owns at least three devices, which can include mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers and even tablets, all of which can be used to disseminate harmful and threatening messages both on a small and large scale.

However, it’s also important to note that everything shared or posted online, whether in a private forum or publicly, can be traced back to the individual who posted it and even when messages, videos, photos or websites are deleted, they’re still out there and can be easily found by someone who knows what they’re doing. This means that there is hope for victims of cyberbullying, as perpetrators aren’t always exempt from the law.

What Are the Laws Surrounding Cyberbullying?

Much like any form of bullying that takes places in the schoolyard, the office or even at sporting clubs or within families, not all cyberbullying is illegal. However, there are laws in place to protect individuals from severe harassment and online bullying behaviour. Under the Criminal Code Act 1995 it’s an offence to use the Internet, social media or a telephone to menace, harass or cause offence. The harshest penalty for this is up to three years imprisonment and a fine of $30,000 or more.

Australia also has laws in place to help combat the prevalence of online stalking. Legislation varies between states and territories, but it relates to a persistent course of conduct by a person against a victim, with the intention of making them feel scared, uncomfortable, offended or harassed. This can take place online or via text messages. It’s best to contact your local authorities to find out what the rules are in your locale.

What Can You do to Help?

If you’re the victim of cyberbullying, or you’re worried that someone close to you is, the following steps can help limit exposure to the bullying, prevent it, or give you a strong case if any legal action is required.

Be mindful when sharing any private information, such as phone numbers

If someone has upset you, refrain from responding to them while you’re angry or hurt (this usually encourages them to continue). Take a deep breath and step away

Log out of your device or social account and stop messaging if you feel you’re being harassed

Block, delete, or report any individuals or users that are harassing you online or via text messages and email

Research how to report bullying and harassment on any relevant social media sites

Keep a record of any harmful posts, messages or calls that are hurtful or harmful to you

Update the privacy settings on your social media accounts

Contact the relevant authorities should the bullying persist or if you fear for your safety or the safety of someone close to you

At In Depth Investigations, our private detectives in Perth offer services that assist cyberbullying victims to track down those responsible for anonymous bullying, while also assisting in gathering evidence should you decide to take a severe case of cyberbullying to the authorities. Contact our private investigators Perth for more information.